Playoff Upset, Colts Bow Out Early

by Greg Picker




To the left: Senior Colts go after the ball in their intense game.

Last year, the Half Hollow Hills West Varsity Soccer Team made an improbably run to the New York State Semi-Finals, which went down as one of the greatest sports achievements in Hills West History. In the fall of 2007, the Colts were the number four seed in the Suffolk County AA Playoffs. This year, as the number three seed, the Colts were awards with a home game to begin the playoffs against the number fourteen seeded Northport.

After the game was pushed back a day due to inclement weather, Hills West hosted the Tigers on Oct. 29. The cold and cloudy afternoon most likely prevented more students from attending the game, but a large crowd still showed up to cheer on the Colts.

Although there were many chances in the first half, neither team was able to get on the scoreboard before halftime. Fifteen minutes into the second half, however, Hills West would strike first. Junior Michael Blumenthal scored off a throw-in by senior Johnny Matzelle to put the Colts up 1-0. Northport's best chance to tie up the score came with about eight minutes to go. After a flurry in front of the net, sophomore goalkeeper Michael Primiano was able to preserve the lead with a diving save. With the crowd chanting down the final seconds of the game, Hills West moved on to the county quarterfinals.

Following an upset of the number six seeded Centerreach, the number eleven seeded North Babylon Bulldogs earned a spot in the quarterfinals against the colts. Just as in the previous game, the first half remained scoreless by both the Colts and their opponents. There was still no score late in the second half, and the game seemed destined for overtime. This all changed with 2:56 left in the game. A North Babylon forwards took a pass, drove towards the net, and put the ball past a diving Primiano for a goal.

In an attempt to tie it up and continue the season, all the Colts on the field were brought up to the offensive half of the field. This gave Hills West a few close chances, including a shot which went off the side of the net with just two minutes remaining. However, the Bulldogs defense held on and upset the Colts. North Babylon's key to the game was being able to limit the opportunities of Hills West senior Stefan Carter, Long Island's leading scorer this season.

Although it ended prematurely, the 2008 season can still be considered a year to remember. The Hills West Colts once again maintained the title of League Champions.

Most notably, Stefan Carter's prolific high school career came to an end. The Boston COllege bound-senior became the all-time Hills West leading scorer this past fall.